The Political Council of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party on Tuesday accused the United States of “blackmailing” the country's authorities in relation to the controversial foreign influence bill. This bill, resubmitted by the GD in March after initial rejection last year due to mass protests and international criticism for its resemblance to Russian legislation, requires domestic non-governmental organizations and media outlets to register as organizations under foreign influence if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad.

In an official statement, the GD asserted that the improvement of Georgian-American relations depended entirely on the actions of the American side. They emphasized the importance of respecting the Georgian state and its people rather than “making vague promises and resorting to insulting blackmail.”

This statement was in response to information suggested by Politico that the U.S. was considering offering Georgia a significant military and trade package and liberalizing the visa regime if there was a “shift away from the current anti-democratic course.” The GD referenced similar draft laws in Congress in recent years, noting that none had been passed.

"Yesterday, international media reported on a bill initiated by an American congressman. According to this draft law, Georgia would receive visa liberalization and a free trade agreement if the government refuses to adopt a law ensuring the transparency of NGOs, refrains from passing laws against LGBT propaganda, conducts fair elections, and avoids negative rhetoric towards America. If not, the bill proposes sanctions against Georgian government officials,” the statement said.

The GD emphasized that "a dignified attitude towards Georgia should be expressed differently."

"In light of this, the recovery of Georgian-American relations depends entirely on the correct actions of the American side. Making vague promises and using insulting blackmail are unnecessary; respect for the Georgian state and its people is essential. Unfortunately, several American politicians and officials continue to make mistakes and speak to Georgia in a language of blackmail," said the GD.

The ruling party stated that the government was committed to passing the bill as a necessary measure to stabilize the country. They argued that NGOs had attempted to organize revolutions in Georgia twice since 2020, and the bill was essential for protecting Georgia's sovereignty.

The GD warned that if the U.S. continued its current approach towards Georgia, it would harm the interests of both countries.

"Our partners can reorganize their relations within a year at most. If they understand this, relations will improve quickly. However, if they continue with the same approach, it will harm both Georgian and American interests. Ultimately, the decision rests with our partners, as Georgia, being a small country, cannot change things unilaterally. We hope rational thought will prevail in America, benefiting both countries," the statement concluded.